Cheshire Observer

I CHESTER WATERWORKS I COMPANY. I CHAIRMAN AND WATER SCARES. I I INVESTIGATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS. I The 88th half-yearly ordinary general meeting of the shareholders of the Chester Waterworks Company was held in the Board-room, 15, Newgate-street, Chester, on Thursday, Mr. F. E. Roberts, chairman, presiding over an attend- ance which included Mr. F. F. Brown, Mr. J. Gooddie Holmes, Mr. John Taylor, Mr. W. Haswell, Mr. Musgrave, Mr. Williams, Dr. Duff, etc. The directors' report summarised the half- year's working as follows :-The accounts for the half-year shew a surplus of revenue over expendi- ture of £2,545 6s. 8d., to which add the balance brought forward from account for half-year ending 30th June, 1900 (after payment of dividends), £6,759 lis. 5d., making a total of £9,304 18s. Id.; less cost of opposition to Chester Rural District Council sewage schemes, JB574 4s. The interest on preference capital leaving a balance of £8,280 14s. Id. It is recommended that the usual statutory dividends be paid (free of income tax) which will absorb £ 1,890 3s. 9d., leaving 26,390 10s. 4d. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, said the accounts were not very largely different from what they had generally had before them. The engine ex- penses were increased, and that was very largely caused by the increase in the price of coal, which had necessarily sent up the working expenses con- siderably. The filter expenses were smaller, because they had done, or thought they had done, most of their expensive work in the half-year ending June last, and they were just completing their new filters last August. The item "renewals and repairs of mains" was slightly more, but it varied every half-year; that was inevitable. There was a large balance standing to the credit of the depreciation account. That was put aside last half-year to meet the expense of a new engine, and the engine had not yet been paid for because it had not been delivered; the makers were in arrear with their work, and that was inevitable in these times. They hoped to have the engine shortly. Meanwhile they had a temporary engine, which was available to do any work necessary to keep the town supplied in case of emergency. They would notice in the engineer's report that the company had delivered 638 millions of gallons of water in the half-year, which was an increase of 16 millions on the previous year, and came to 36 gallons per head of the population per day. That was about half as much again as the average amount supplied in ordinary towns; and it was a very material fact, because it shewed how absolutely unlimited the company's supply was. That was something for which consumers had every reasonfto be grateful; at the same time he thought they might call upon the consumers to reduce their working ex- penses to a great extent by taking care not to waste the water. There was a great deal of waste in the town, particularly at times. The share- holders would perhaps like to hear something on the question of the water scare. They generally had a water scare once a year, and he (the chair- man) had come to look upon them as good things, just in the same way as a chapel debt-they stirred people up to renewed exertions. Well, they had had the usual scare. They knew the Town Council for some years had had a water analysis every quarter. The company had been very glad the Council had these analyses, because they afforded protection to the public and con- firmed their (the company's) own belief that the water was very good, and that, notwithstanding that it was river water, which some people criticised, it was very wholesome. Unfortunately, there was a little scare a few months ago, when Dr. Percy Frankland, the analyst to the Town Council, sent in a report which was not looked upon as favourable. A good deal was said about it in the papers that was perhaps unwise in some cases. He did not accuse the papers of being unwise. The Council thereupon took steps to call in another analyst to confirm, or not confirm, Dr. Frankland's report. Dr. Boyce, of Liverpool, stood very high in the bacteriological world. His report varied from Dr. Frankland's still it was not wholly satisfactory. Thereupon the Waterworks Company thought it better to have advice them- selves in order to see if they could not improve the water or get rid of any temporary difficulty. They consulted Mr. Davies, of Liverpool, and Professor Delepine, of Owen's College. They inspected the works and made a good many tests, and the greatest pains were taken to check any reports which had been made otherwise. But the directors felt at the time that the difficulty which had arisen had arisen not from any defects in the works, but from the exceptional season, which they knew was very rainy, also from the fact that they had organised two new beds; one had been mentioned specially, but really there were two. These beds were not sufficiently consolidated to give the best results, and they waited for per- fect consolidation before they used them. The rainfall in October was 10 inches, against an aver- age of 5 inches or 5 inches in the previous year, he forgot which it was. In addition to this the directors had had a most careful examination of all the details of the filters, and if any gentleman had gone there a week or two ago he would have seen two or three filters in course of examination right down to the base of the wall, to see if there were any cracks or any possible leakage. Though there were small defects in the new works, they were capable of immediate rectification, and they expected no further difficulty. He had personally beei led--and Mr. Brown had, and perhaps others —to look into the question of bacteriological ex- aminations of water. It was a subject of great interest, and what they had been led to think was that it was in its infancy. The nature, which bacteria fulfilled in regard to water was very doubtful still. To shew the different ideas which people held on the subject, he might mention that he asked a friend a little while ago what he thought was the size of bacteria. He replied that he thought. about a quarter of an inch. He (the chairman) found that fifteen thousand of them in a row, or from ten thousand to fifteen thousand would go in one inch. He did not think he needed to go into that practically, but he might say that they had found that the water was improving very much, and that they hoped very quickly to get over any little temporary difficulty that there had been. They now arranged a separate outflow from each filter into the canal, so that every filter might be separately treated. There was no con- ceivable risk of dirty water getting back into the pure water tank, and they had means of testing the effluent from each filter, so that there would be no difficulty in localising any defect and put- ting their fingers on any weak spot. He had in his hand Dr. Frankland's last report, which had not yet been before the Health Committee. It was by the courtesy of the officials of the Town Council that. he had received it, and he thought he might read an extract from it which read: "The samples of filtered water, both from the works and from the* consumers' taps, were almost perfectly clear to the eye. They were palatable, and contained only a moderate amount of organic matter." That or- ganic matter, explained the chairman, did not necessarily mean deleterious matter; it was vege- table matter, and therefore it was un- avoidable. Dr. Frankland further stated: "The efficiency of the filtration is indicated by the fact that out of every 100 bacteria present in the un- filtered water, no less than 95 odd were removed in the process. The results of both chemical and bacteria examinations are in every respect more satisfactory than on the occasion of my last quar- terly examination." He (the chairman) had through the courtesy of the Town Council received Dr. Boyce's more recent report, and he thought it was extraordinarily good. He might say that scientific men aimed at reducing the number of bacteria in a given quantity of water to below 100, and that with one exception the numbers given in respect of the company's water were 13, 11, 31 and so on. There was an almost absolute absence of anything deleterious, so he thought they might congratulate themselves upon the fact that the water difficulty had been almost entirely got over. It was a temporary difficulty, and the investiga- tion they had been led to make, would result in considerable and permanent improvement in the filtration, and in their means of testing any weak spot^which might possibly exist at any particular time. Mr. Taylor seconded the adoption of the report, and said he need not add anything to what the chairman had so ably said. The report was unanimously adopted. Mr. Taylor then moved—"That dividends, with- out deduction of income tax, be now declared for the half-vear ending 31st December, 1900, at the following rates, viz.: Of 71 per cent. per annum on the consolidated stock of the company; of 6 per cent. per annum upon the perpetual six per cent. preference shares; of 7 per cent. per annum upon the amount paid and entitled to dividend on the new ordinary stock, 1874; and interest at the rate of 4 per cent. per annum on the amount of calls paid in advance on the second moiety of such new stock." Mr. J. Gooddie Holmes seconded, and the motion was carried. Mr. Musgrave moved that the retiring directors -Mr. Wm. Haswell and Mr. F. E. Roberts-be re-elected. Mr. Williams seconded, and it was carried. Mr. F. J. Warmsley, F.C.A., was unanimously re-appointed auditor to the company. On the motion of Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Musgrave, a vote of thanks was accorded to the chairman, directors and officials for their services during a trying period.

THE SURVEYORS' INSTITUTION.—Mr. William Ernest Brown, of Parkgate-road, Chester, has passed the preliminary examination of the Surveyor's Institution held last month. Mr. Brown is serving his articles with Messrs. T. Wainwright and Sons, of Liverpool. CHESTER DIOCESAN GUILD OF CHANGE RINOERS.—Ou Saturday, at the Cathedral, the fallowing uieml&rs rang halfta-peal of Grand- site Triples (2,5lf0 changes) in I hour 41 minutes with the bells' deeply fhulffjBH £ as a token of respect for th^late Queen fat-A. Peers, treble; J. Sconce, ,2ÓW1 T. B&bell.^rd; W, Sconce (conductor) 4th; G. Gerrard, 5th H. Dew, 6th; W. Moulton, 7th; T. Rowlands, tenor. CHESTElt. NATURAL. SCIICNCZ'SOCIICTY.-At a general meeting of the Chester Society of Natural Science, Literature, and Art on Thurs- day evening, at the Grosvenor Museum, the Rev. W. N. Howe, M.A., lectured before a crowded audience on the subject The Seine, from Rouen to Paris." The chair was taken by the Rev. A. H. Fish. The lecture was illustrated by over eighty beautiful lantern slides taken from photographs, paintings, and original sketches. At the conclusion a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Howe on the proposi- tion of Mr. J. Gooddie Holmes, seconded by Dr. Granger.

PAROCHIAL GATHERING AT BOUGHTON. I PRESENTATION TO MR. W. JOHNSON. I The annual tea and entertainment in con- nection with St. Paul's parish, Boughton, passed off with every success on Wednesday. It was a bitterly cold day, and the commodious room in St. Paul's School, where nearly three hundred parishioners were entertained at tea shortly after six o'clock in the evening, presented a particularly warm and cosy appearance. All were delighted, and the chief promoters of the event are to be congratulated upon the fact of their efforts being entirely successful. The following ladies assisted at the tea tables:—Mrs. Swaine (Government House), Mrs. Gould, Miss Black- burne, Mrs. J. E. Haswell, Mrs. Shaw, Mrs. Thomas Williams (Parkgate-road), Mrs. Lewis Roberts, Mrs. C. J. Owen, Mrs. Margerison, Mrs. Swetenham, Mrs. Kennedy, Mrs. Pitcairn Campbell, Miss Nessie Brown, Miss Morton, Miss Prince, Mrs. Norbury, Mrs. Sinclair, Mrs. Mercer, Mrs. Monk, Mrs. Whittingham, Mrs. Turner, Mrs. Burton, Mrs. Churton. Mrs. Rich- mond (Ivy Rock), Mrs. Peake Miss Foulkes Jones, Mrs. Giles, Mrs. Jones (Dee Banks), Mrs. Vernon, Mrs. Cooper, Miss Cooper, Mrs. Povey, Mrs. Leeming, Mrs. Giffen, Mrs. Footner, Mrs. Carr, Mrs. Hutchins, Mrs. Stanley Owen, Mrs. John Frost, Mrs. Weekes, Mrs. Keith Douglas, Mrs. E. A. Ould, Mrs. Edwards (Vicarage), Mrs. Murdo, Mrs. Almond, Mrs. Howie, Mrs. Marsden, Mrs. Mayne, Mrs. Graves, Mrs. Hewson, Mrs. Norbury, Mrs. Felix Thomas, Miss Thomas, Misses Kynnersley, Mrs. William Johnson, Mrs. F. W. Chapman, Miss Chapman, Mrs. George Edwards, Mrs. Thorne, Miss Ward, Mrs. Hankin- son, Mrs. Roberts, Mrs. Edwards, Mrs. Major, Mrs. Robertson, Miss Davison, Miss Owen, Miss Price, Miss Fletcher, Miss Beckett, Mrs. Snelson, Mrs. James Frost, Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Mason, Mrs. Herbert, Mrs. R. T. Thomas, Mrs. Davies, Mrs. Roberts, Mrs. James Lowe, Mrs. Speakman, Mrs. Carter, Mrs. Rooper, Mrs. Conyers, Mrs. Read (Kenwyn), and Mrs. Robert- son. At the conclusion of the tea the Rev. F. Edwards (vicar) proposed a vote of thanks to the ladies for their assistance. The vote was heartily accorded. A concert was subsequently enjoyed by a large audience at the Campbell Memorial Hall. The following programme was gone through:-Glee, "Jack Frost," St. Paul's Choir; song, "Daddy," Miss Lillie Thomas; song, "Thou art so near," Mr. W. E. Snelson; song, "The Lost Chord," Mrs. Crewe; reading, Mr. W. H. Churton; glee, "Song of the Anvil," Campbell Hall Glee Society; glee, "Old Neptune," St. Paul's Choir; song, "The Children's Home," Mrs. Crewe; song, There's a Land," Mr. A. E. Ward; duet, "The Veteran's Toast," Messrs. W. E. Snelson and L. Margeri- son; song, When the boys come home once more," Miss Lillie Thomas; comic song, Mr. Loui Parry; glee, "Good Night," Campbell Glee Society; "God Save the King." Mr. Richard Thomas effectively accompanied on the piano. During an interval in the proceedings, Mr. William Johnson, who has now entered upon his well-earned retirement after holding the position of master of St. Paul's Sohools, Chester, for about forty-eight years, was the recipient of a handsome testimonial, subscribed for by his numerous friends in the parish and elsewhere. It took the form of money amounting to the large sum of two hundred guineas. It is interesting to note that the late Rev. R. Parkinson. vicar of St. Athanasius Church, Liverpool, was educated at the school, and that Mr. Johnson holds the Volunteer medal decoration, and at one of the Rifle meetings won the Lord Lieutenant's Prize, valued at JB50. The following assembled on the platform to take part in the presentation:—The Rev. F. Edwards and Mrs. Edwards, Mr. and Mrs. Wickham, Mr. M. Sneyd Kynnersley, Mr. W. H. Churton, Mr. J. M. Frost, the Rev. T. E. Evans (curate), and Mr. Roberts. The Rev. F. Edwards, in a few introductory remarks, said the handsome present of two hundred guineas amply testified to the great popularity of Mr. Johnson in the parish. So far M he (the vicar) knew, it was the most costly present any schoolmaster in England had yet received on such an occasion. (Applause.) The parishioners were singularly fortunate in having such a good man as Mr. H. Guy, who really took the most active part in raising the money, and they were also fortunate in having among them a gentleman like Mr. Johnson, who had gained the respect and admiration of all who knew him. Mr. Churton said he had known Mr. Johnson for a considerable number of years, and had always looked upon him as a noble and straight- forward man. (Applause.) If ever a schoolmaster deserved a testimonial from his friends it was Mr. Johnson. (Applause.) It was said that the profession of a solicitor or a doctor carried with it many influences, either for good or evil, but if there was one person in the world who filled a responsible position it was a schoolmaster. If parents in that room would calmly consider what Mr. Johnson had done for nearly fifty years for the education of hundreds or even thousands of young people in the parish they would know what heavy responsibilities had fallen upon the retiring schoolmaster, and what anxieties and troubles he experienced. He believed that Mr. Johnson's influence for good, his high moral tone and blameless life, had actually no parallel any- where in the city. (Applause.) Mr. Johnson had always set a high and noble example to the scholars at Boughton School, and he was endeared by every parent in the parish. He (Mr. Churton) had never heard an unkind word spoken against him, and he believed he was right in saying that Mr. Johnson had not a single enemy—(ap- plause)—which was rather an extraordinary thing to say seeing that the recipient had been a school- master in the place for well nigh half a century. There were two points which stood out promi- nently in Mr. Johnson's character—his absolute unselfishness and his devoted attention to duty. (Renewed applause.) The retiring schoolmaster was apparently not possessed of any great physical force, but he (Mr. Churton) had always noted how well and efficiently he carried out the duties he was called upon to perform. He did his work in a wonderful way. They all knew quite well how important it was for a schoolmaster to do his work thoroughly, and he could testify to the many sterling qualities Mr. Johnson had shewn during the long time he had stayed at Boughton Schools. If ever there was any work to do in the parish of a parochial nature Mr. Johnson was always the first person called upon- (applause)—and he always performed his duties ungrudgingly. He had set to all of them a noble example of what life should be. His one great object in the world was to make other people happy, regardless of his own welfare. He (Mr. Churton) had always looked upon him aa a model of courtesy and kindness, and he was in every sense of the word a gentleman. As one of the oldest inhabitants of Boughton he expressed a hope that Mr. Johnson in his retirement would be spared many years by kind Providence to continue doing good work, and that he would enjoy health and happiness. Mrs. Edwards then graciously presented to Mr. Johnson the two hundred guineas, which took the form of bank notes enclosed in an envelope. Mr. Johnson suitably returned thanks, and spoke under considerable emotion. He was greeted on rising to respond with loud and pro- longed cheers. In speaking of his connection with St. Paul's School, Mr. Johnson said it was just fifty years, or very nearly so, since he came to Chester. He then spent two years at College, and was afterwards appointed master of the National School at Garston, where he stayed eighteen months. At this time an old college friend of his wrote to him saying that he was going to leave Boughton School and asking if he (the speaker) would go over. He did so, and subsequently entered into an agreement con- firming his appointment as schoolmaster of St. Paul's School. He had only about fifty scholars to teach at first, but ty gradually increased until it was found necessafy to extend the schools. The late Mr. John Churton, who was uncle to the present Mr. W. H. Churton, and who lived in the parish at the time, bought some land for the benefit of the school, and through the receipt of various grants the school was enlarged and made much more commodious. Soon after this a separate infants' school was erected, and the school managers had gone on progressing ever since. During his long occupation as a school- master he had worked under five vicars, and he only wished they were all present to see how pleased he was at the great reception he received. Mr. Johnson then went on to speak of the many letters he had received from old scholars bearing testimony to the great benefit they had derived from their past association with Boughton School. At the conclusion of his response the old song "For he's a jolly good fellow" was heartily sung. Mr. Sneyd Kynnersley also testified to Mr. Johnson's many capabilities as a master. He said Mr. Johnson would not only feel pleased at the pecuniary worth of the testimonial, but at the spirit in which it was given. (Applause.) He had known him for twenty-three years, when he first came to reside in the vicinity, and during that time many changes had taken place. One especial feature of Mr. Johnson was the great courtesy he had always shewn, even to his scholars. In these advanced times many teachers were inclined to treat their pupils in the schools as if they were mere cab horses, and not like human beings—(laughter and applause)—and Mr. Johnson was one out of the very few whom he (the speaker) knew to differ in that respect.

The Secretary of the Chester General Infirmary begs to acknowledge with thanko the receipt of the following donations:-Elo from the Honourable Mrs. Cholmondeley, Abbot's Moss, Northwicb, on behalf of the Yerburgh Fund, and £5 from Mrs. Fleming, Abbotsfield, Liverpool-road, Chester; also a Church Collec- tion of from Backford Church. The directors, of Robt*, Roberts and Co., Limited, tea and coffee merchants of Liverpool, Lepdoq, Manchester, Birmingham, &c, recom- mend a dividend for* tbef year ending 31st I £ eceq^ber, 1900, at the rate of five per cent, per annum on the preference shares, and at the rate of six per cent. per annum on the ordinary Shares of the company. The illustrations in the special memorial number of The Graphic" include one depicting Lieut. Wilford LLoyd (now the Colonel commanding the 1st Cheshire and Carnarvon- shire Volunteers) presenting one of the Mahdi's flags to the Queen at Winsdor on March 25tb, 1884. This flag was captured by General Graham's forces at Tokar on March 1st, the day after the battle of El Teb. TEMPORARY AUTHORITY.—On the application of Mr. Trubshaw, at the City Police Court on Wednesday morning, F. Johnson was granted temporary authority to sell at the Prince of Wales Inn, Henry-street.

I ARSENICAL POISONING. I ARSENICAL -3°IS0:NIN. I "TWELVE QUARTS OF BEER A DAY!" I TARPORLEY MAN'S WILD STATEMENT. I At Tarvin Workhouse on Tuesday afternoon' Mr. J. C. Bate, the West Cheshire coroner' held an inquiry into the circumstances attend- ing the sad death of a farm labourer named Richard Betley, 54 years of age, who resided at Eaton-by-Tarporley. Dr. Giffen, surgeon, said deceased was con- veyed to Tarvin Workhouse in a cab on November 27th. He was unable to walk as he was paralysed in both arms and legs. His feet were in a state of great tenderness, and be complained of feeling pins and needles," while numerous dark spots were found about i the body. Before he was admitted to the institution deceased told witness that be had suffered from running of the eyes. From these and other symptoms he came to the con- clusion that deceased was suffering from peripheral neuritis. The man improved for a time under treatment, but during the last month of his life he gradually grew worse, and a week before his death he lost power of his speech, which was probably caused by alcoholic or arsenical poisoning. The ultimate cause of death on the 27th of January was chiefly exhaustion. Witness made a post-mortem examination of the body two days afterwards, and found that Betley had fatty degeneration of the heart and congestion of the lungs, while the body was very much emaciated. Having attended deceased during his life he was convinced after the examination that the original cause of death was arsenical poisoning. Death ensued really, however, from the combined effects of alcoholic as well as arsenical poisoning. Wit- ness had a conversation with the man during bis stay in the workhouse hospital, and he said be was in the habit of drinking a large quantity of beer. Questioned by a juror the doctor said there were symptoms of alcoholic poisoning. If he had made a post-mortem examination without knowledge of deceased's previous history wit- ness should have concluded that death was due to chronic alcoholism. Mr. J. Williams (foreman): Apart from arsenic, is it fair to suppose that deceased would be alive to-day if he drank twelve quarts of beer a day on an average, as reported ?—Dr. (jiffen: That is a question I cannot absolutely answer. I cannot believe that he drank such a large quantity of beer. The symptoms shewn by deceased were very similar to those other experienced doctors recently have found to be due to arsenical poisoning. Mr. Bate: What were the distinct evidences of poison from arsenic ?—Dr. Giffen: Chiefly the extreme tenderness of his legs and feet and the running from the eyes. He also had pig- mentation of the legs. An analysis of the con- tents of the stomach would have been useless after two months, as the arsenic would soon be eliminated, arsenic not being a cumulative poison. A juror: Is it your opinion that deceased took spirits as well as beer ?—Dr. Giffen: He might have done, of course, but he certainly consumed more beer than was good for him. Mr. Atkinson, the workhouse master, said deceased was admitted to the Institution on November 27th, and he immediately sent for Dr. Giffen. Witness had a conversation with Betley on several occasions. On the 15th of December, witness and the Visiting Committee visited the hospital and entered into conversa- tion with the man. Witness asked Betley what ailed him, and he replied that he was paralysed in the arms and legs, and that his feet felt numb. When asked if he knew the cause of his paralysis, deceased said he was very much addicted to drink. Witness asked him before the committee what quantity of beer he took on an average per day. Betley hesitated for some time and then said I take twelve quarts of beer a day regularly." He also stated that for a month before he came to the workhouse hospital-that would be in October —he had drank very heavily. He met an old friend who had returned from South Africa, and since his return he took more than usual. Mr. Bate: Did you ask him what beer he was in the habit of drinking ?—Witness: Yes. He said it came from Woolfe's of Crewe. Mr. Bate: What made you ask such a question ?—Witness: Because there was con- siderable discussion in the papers about arseni- cal beer.—In reply to other questions Mr. Atkinson said he did not believe for a moment that deceased ever drank twelve quarts of beer a day. The man seemed to think, however, that he was suffering from peripheral neuritis or arsenical poisoning. An address book with a description of the illness deceased was suffer- ing from had been before the committee several times. He died on Sunday morning, the 27th of January. Mr. Bate: Did deceased say what public- house he went to as a rule ?—Witness: Yes, the Red Lion at Eaton-by-Tarporley. I believe that is the only public-house in the village. Mr. Bate He was a farm labourer, I believe, and could not afford to pay for the great quantity of beer he is stated to have taken unless someone treated him ?—Witness Quite so. He told me that he earned about 17s. or 18s. a week. He could not have paid for the drink out of his own wages. The man must have been rambling in his mind. It was a wild statement. Thomas Craven, a farm labourer, living at Eaton-by-Tarporley, said he knew deceased, who really had no fixed place of abode, intimately. Deceased was rather addicted to drink. He saw the man on the Saturday night before he was conveyed to the institution. He was then in the Red Lion at Eaton-by-Tarporley, where he had two or three glasses of beer. He had never seen deceased take an alarming quantity, but he often got drunk. Witness had also observed Betley drinking in the Forester's Arms at Tarporley, where he had paid for sixpenny beer. Deceased was in the habit of sleeping in outbuildings. The report that deceased drank 12 quarts of beer a day was absolutely ridiculous. Witness had seen him at the Red Lion frequently. Sarah Walton, housekeeper to Joseph Banks, licensee of the Red Lion Inn, said she had resided at the public-house for over two years, and during that time she had never seen deceased the worse for liquor, although it was true he came to the inn pretty frequently. Mr. Bate What is the largest quantity you have ever seen him take ?—Witness: I could not exactly say-perhaps two or three pints. The house is known as a free one, I under- stand ?-Witness: Yes. Mr. Bate: Do you have more than one quality of beer ?-Witness: Oh, yes. Mr. Bate: Can you tell me where the six- penny beer you supplied to Betley in October or November last came from ?—Witness: I believe it was sent by Woolfe's, of Crewe. Mr. Bate: And you say that you never saw him the worse for drink ?-Witness: I do. Thomas Goulding, licensee of the Forester's Arms, Tarporley, said he had known deceased for a considerable time. Betley generally came to his house on a Sunday evening. He took nothing else but beer, and witness was in the habit of giving him food. The greatest quantity of beer he had seen deceased take in a day was nine pints. He drank what is known as sixpenny beer, and witness could guarantee that the liquor was free from arsenic. It was usually Bass beer that he gave to Betley. The coroner said the evidence before the jury was quite clear so far as the immediate cause of death was concerned, but it would be certainly very difficult for them to ascertain whether the beer supplied at the Red Lion Inn or the Forester's Arms in October contained any arsenic from which the man had mainly died. It was evident that deceased took the arsenical beer before he entered the workhouse hospital, but as such a long period had elapsed since his death it was now well-nigh impossible for them to prove whether or not the beer supplied at the public-houses mentioned contained arsenic. It would not do for the jury to jump at the con- clusion that the beer supplied to Betley at Eaton-by-Tarporley was poisoned with arsenic. At other places, as they knew, brewery firms who bad supplied arsenical beer had been traced, but then the inquests on the victims were held only two or three days after death perhaps, and it was then comparatively easy to find the poisonous beer. In the present case, however, the circumstances were altogether different. Acting on the suggestion of the coroner, the jury found that death was due to alcoholism and arsenical poisoning, but there was no evidence to shew how the arsenic was administered.

THE NEW COMPANIES ACT, 1900.—Messrs. Curtis, Gardner and Boxwell, Limited, Com- pany Registration Agents, Bond Court, Mansion House" London, have just issued in compact book form a capital treatise on the aboye-named subject. with notes and observations by Mr. William Higgins, barrister-at-law. The book under notice will be found most useful, not only to practitioners 1 but to promoters, directors, secretaries, and in fact to all persons who are interested in under- takings to which the Limited Liability Acts apply. A complete copy of the new Act is printed as an appendix; and to illustrate its application a specimen prospectus complying with its requirements is given. We recommend all local solicitors and accountants to secure a copy. The price is one shilling nett. BRADLEY'S sell All-fur Elastic FELT HATS, at 3/9, in any shape as comfortable as a cap, really 4/6 goods.-Foregate-street (corner of Seller-street) and 70, Brook-etrset. — .« J- V- ¡-

CHESTER IMPERIAL YEOMANRY. I AN APPEAL. I TO THE EDITOR. I Sir,—In a letter from Lady Ebury this week she tells me how terribly both companies of our Cheshire Imperial Yeomanry will be in need of warm clothing during the coming very cold weather. Such things as warm drawers, vests, flannel shirts, pipes and canvass shoes, and still more particularly warm gloves and socks, will be in great requisition, or money to buy such things and help with the carriage. After the very gener- ous way in which my appeal was answered last year (as I was able to collect over 1,200 things), I venture to trespass once again on the Chester pub- lic, and shall be most grateful to receive here such things as I have already mentioned. Apologising for troubling you in this matter, and thakking you in anticipation, yours faithfully, (MRS.) MARY E. SWETENHAM. I Sandowne-terrace, Feb. 8, 1901. <

I THE KING'S PROCLAMATION. WHO SHOULD READ IT? THE MAYOR'S EXPLANATION. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—As there appears to be some mis- apprehension as to what occurred here in reference to the proclamation of H.M. King Edward VII., will you kindly permit me to say that the. mandate (of which a copy is appended) to proclaim and publish the pro- clamation was addressed (inside) To Oar Loving Friend the Mayor of the City of Chester," and the envelope containing it and the proclamation was addressed To the Mayor of the City of Cheater," and was delivered at the Town Hall, and opened by the Mayor personally. As will be noted, the mandate refers to the proclamation herewith sent unto you," i.e., to the Mayor. At the same time there was also delivered at the Town Hall a package of prints of the pro- clamation and of prints of another proclama- tion requiring all persons being in office of authority or government at the decease of the late Queen to proceed in the execution of their respective offices," enclosed in a wrapper addressed-" Royal Proclamations, To the Sheriff of the City of Chester." In accordance with the practice which has prevailed for over 30 years, this was opened by I the Town Clerk's staff, and the prints posted, as is, with regard to Proclamations," invariably done for the convenience of the Sheriffs. On the other hand writs for the election of members of Parliament are delivered, on arrival by the Post Office to the Sheriff or Under Sheriff personally, and are dealt with by them, the Sheriff being the Returning Officer, and not the Mayor.—I am, yours truly, SAML. SMITH, Town Clerk. Town Hall, Chester, Feb. 5th, 1901. I r COpy.] j After our hearty commendations, it having pleased Almighty God to take to His mercy out of this troublesome life our late Sovereign, Lady Queen Victoria of Blessed Memory, and there- upon his Royal Majesty King Edward VII. being here proclaimed according to the tenour of the proclamation signed by us herewith, sent unto you. We do hereby will and require you forth- with to cause the said proclamation to be proclaimed and published in the usual places within your jurisdiction with the solemnities and ceremonies accustfmed on the like occasion, and so not doubting of your ready compliance herein, we bid you heartily farewell. From the Council Chamber of St. James's, This 23rd day of January, 1901, Your loving friends, DEVONSHIRE, ROWTON, HERBERT MAXWELL. Tc our loving friend the Mayor of the City of Chester.

CAPT. THE HON. A. LAWLEY. I AN APPRECIATION. I The appointment of Captain the Hon. A. Lawley to be Governor of the State of Western Australia scarcely comes, says "Rhodesia," as a surprise to those who have watched the able manner he has fulfilled his duties as Adminis- trator in Matabeleland. Some considerable period back we prognosticated that Captain Lawley's career as Administrator would only commence with Rhodesia, and that his abilities and tact would be duly recognised at the Colonial Office. By the departure of Captain Lawley from Rhodesia the colony is undoubtedly the loser. He has filled a difficult position with con- spicuous success, which has to a material extent received recognition in the proper quarters. This Step of promoting a Rhodesian Administrator to gubernatorial rank denotes that the importance of that position in Rhodesia is not at all under- estimated. An Administrator in Rhodesia has -duties to perform and an office to carry out which entitles the holder to a high rank among colonial officers of the Crown, if not in outward precedence certainly in the importance of the duties to be performed. A ruler over such vast territories as Matabeleland and :Mashonaland-provinces con- taining elements of divers characters and sym- pathies-one who practically controls a gold in- dustry great in extent though still in its infancy, ruling over a large population of blacks, and who in all his acts and ordinances has to study and defer to such divers and sometimes conflicting authorities as the Chartered Company, the settlers, the mining industry, and the Imperial Government, has a task before him which pre- sents many more likely pitfalls than probable rewards. Captain Lawley has gone through the ordeal with conspicuous success, and West Australia may be congratulated on having a titular head whose social urbanity is only equalled by his administrative ability. Though deploring the loss of his services, Rhodesia congratulates the honourable gentleman on his well-deserved preferment.

THE RHONDDA GLEE SOCIETY I AT CHESTER. Lovers of vocal music had a rich treat on Tues- day evening in the concert given in the Music Hall, Chester, by the Rhondda Royal Glee Society, under distinguished patronage. The patrons in- cluded the Duke of Wetsminster, the Mayor of Chester, the High Sheriff (Mr. B. C. Roberts), the Sheriff of Chester (Mr. Edgar Dutton), Sir Thomas G. Frost, Mr. R. A. Yerburgh, M.P., M, r. S. Moss, M.P., Colonel Evans-Lloyd, Mr. Geo. Dickson, Mr. J. Gooddie Holmes and Dr. Roberts. The principal vocalists were Miss Hannah Jones, R.A.M., Mr. B. Davies (tenor), and Mr. J. D. Broome (bass). The pennillion singer, Eos Dar, was absent through illness, and the Rev. Pryce Davies, who presided, announced the fact, and referred to a few consequent changes in the pro- gramme, together with memorial additions in loving memory of the dead Queen. The latter were the familiar solos "0 rest in the Lord" and Then shall the righteous shine," which were feelingly sung respectively by Miss Hannah Jones and Mr. B. Davies. The glees and choruses, as performances, were almost without exception works of art. In the opening chorus from "Faust" exception might possibly be taken to an exaggerated crispness or staccato, and the same might be said of the performance of "Comrades in Arms," which was given in response to a well- merited encore of a very clever and artistic ren- dering of "The Tyrol." On the other hand, this spirited crispness came out so opportunely and with such startling effect in "The March of the Men of Harlech," given as an encore item after a grand rendering of the descriptive piece, "Night and Day," that one could not help thinking that none could sing the famous march of the Harlech men like Welshmen. "Annabelle Lee," which was sung and accompanied, was very quaint and enjoy- able, and too much praise can hardly be given to such artistic productions as were "Italian Salad" and "Pilgrims." In short, the Rhondda Royal Glee Singers have every reason to be proud of ex- cellent individual voices, a finely balanced body of harmony and of a conductor (Mr. Tom Stephens) who knows well how things should be done. Miss Hannah Jones was without doubt the favourite of the evening. She has a pure, rich and singu- larly clear contralto—she sings in a tasteful, un- affected style, and she is almost entirely free from tremolo. Every bit of her work was thoroughly enjoyable, but her rendering of "Comin' from Kil- dare," and in response to an encore "Darby and Joan," fairly took the big audience by storm. Mr. B. Davies has a fine tenor voice, and it would be a pity to spoil it by tremolo. He was, perhaps, especially successful in "How vain is man" (Handel), in which a spirited and brilliant execu- tion, as well as clear articulation, found plenty of scope. Mr. D. J. Broome has a pleasing baritone. Mr. Tom Bryant was rapturously and deservedly encored for his harp soloe, and Mr. Percie G. Smith proved as skilful an accompanist as could be desired. The concert closed with Hen wlad fv nhadau" ("Land of my fathers") and the National Anthem.

BEGGINQ IN ST. Axz;ic-emzzTi-At the City Police Court on Wednesday morning, Jas. Hughes, a well-known character of Chester. was sent to prison for fourteen days for begging in St. Anne-street at thrpe o'clock the prev i ous afternoon. He had previously been summoned J for offences of the same nature.—P.C. Dow son proved the charge, and said he had received numerous complaints about prisoner. "FOR THE BLool) 18 THE LIFZ.Cigrkelg world-famed Blood Mixture is warranted to cleanse the blood from all impurities, from what- ever cause arising. For Sorofula, Scurvy, Eczema, skin and blood diseases, aad sores of all kinds, its effects are marvellous. Thousands of testimonials. In bottles, 2s. 9d. and lie. each, of all Chemists. Proprietors, Lincoln and each, Midland Counties Drug Company, Lincoln, Ask for Clarke's Blood Mixture, and do not be persuaded to take an imitation.

AN OLD CHESHIRE INN. DESTROYED BY FIRE. The Royal Oak Inn, Little Neston, was destroyed by fire in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The building was one of the most ancient and picturesque licensed houses in the county, dating from a period considerably earlier than that of Queen Elizabeth, and it was perhaps more persistently sketched and photographed than any similar establishment in the Wirral Hundred. It consisted of an extensive range of building in the form of a triangle, and thatched and whitewashed, with huge projecting chimney stacks rising from the ground in front of the building in a very quaint fashion. The landlord and landlady (Mr. and Mrs. Leigh Harris), together with their servant, retired to rest soon after 11 o'clock on Monday evening, leaving every- thing safe 80 far as they were aware. About 12 o'clock, however, a widow named Dodd, who lives in a cottage some fifty yards away, noticed a smell of fire, and thinking I some firewood in the oven had ignited became so j uneasy that she went downstairs to look. To this trivial incident the inmates of the Royal Oak probably owe their lives. After searching the rooms in vain she ascended to her children's room, and happening to glance through the window saw flames issuing from the thatchtd roof of the Oak. She quickly roused her son, a youth, and the latter rushing to the inn beat loudly upon the door. The inmates, however, were so deeply wrapped in slumber that this had no effect. He then ran to the window near the sleeping apartments, and by persistent knocking and cries of fire at last succeeded in rousing the family. By this time the flumes were making rapid progress through the roof near the kitchen, and after a hurried attempt to j extinguish the flames from the interior, Mr. Harris and his wife and maid were compelled to make a hurried exit. The village was now be-! coming awake to the startling event, and the villagers flocked to the spot. One of the first on the spot was Constable Bostock, who promptly isought the assistance of Mr. William Pritcbard in telephoning to the Neston Fire Brigade station for assistance. The latter did not at first hear the call, but the operator called up several persons who were on the telephone. One of these was Dr. John B. Yeoman, whose conduct throughout the exciting events that followed is deserving of the highest praise. Within a; few moments of the alarm he bad roused one of the firemen (James Roberts), and after; hurriedly calling up the other local firemen, the pair made their way to the fire brigade station, and without waiting for the turn out of the brigade placed a quantity of hose on a handcirt, and harnessing themselves to it covered the mile and a half of road to the Oak at Little Neston at such express speed that the preliminary arrangements at the main were already made when the brigade drove up. Sergt. Martyn and Constable Thelwell, who had noticed the conflagration from Neston, now came up, and assisted by a willing band of helpers, the firemen and police did battle with j the flames. Three ponies in a building in rear were hurriedly got out, and the safe and such portion of the household furniture as could be reached were dragged to a place of safety. The old inn, however, burned like tinder, dim- j ming the light of the moon and lighting up the snowy roofs and the windows of the houses, and it was soon seen that only one end, formerly used as a separate cottage, could be saved. The firemen and police with Dr. Yeoman worked like Trojans, but all in vain, and with the exception of the portion mentioned the place was completely gutted. Some idea of the combustible nature of the premises may be gained when it is stated that the thatch weighed several tons, and that in some places it was fully a yard in depth. A pathetic incident was the burning of an Irish terrier dog: who came into the landlord's possession a day or two before, and whose agonising yells as he j found himself encircled by the fire were plainly heard by the crowd. A favourite parrot was brought out alive but died from suffocation directly afterwards. The premises belong to the Birkenhead Brewery Company and are covered by insurance. The landlord was insured in the Liverpool, London and Globe for £400. An amusing incident occurred during the progress of the fire, Constable Thelwell, who was busily fighting the flames on the roof, accidentally receiving the contents of another fireman's hose several times, while in the con- fusion he as often directed an icy stream of water upon the other, both operators being drenched to the skin. Several boxes of beer, &c., were carried out, but immediately they reached the outer air the corks and liquor flew j out with a bang in full view of the thirsty spectators. In addition to the firemen (Messrs. Bartley, R. Kameen, H. Williams, and J. Lawley) and the police, Messrs. John Maylor, James Waring, and Lawley deserve special mention for their energetic effcrts. Mr. W. Pritchard generously provided refreshments.

ELECTRIC WIRE ACCIDENT IN I LIVERPOOL. TWO PERSONS KILLED MANY INJURED I A senous accident occurred in Liverpool on I Monday night as a result of the falling of a number of telephone wires upon the trolley wires of the electric tramway system. A little after seven o'clock a stack of telephone wires crossing London-road and Pembroke-place at right angles, strained with the weight of snow, collapsed and fell across the trolley wires of the electric car equipment. The broken wires fell into the streets: adjacent to London-road and Pembroke-place, and caused terrible havoc and consternation. The. accident occurred at a busy time in the evening, when people were wending their way home in hundreds from business. Upwards of a dozen became entangled in the wires in London-road Fire danced out in every direction, and the un fortunate people were in a fearful situation. The scene was most heartrending as those who be- came entangled in the coils of the wires lay writhing and screaming on the footpath. A number of persons courageously rushed forward to render assistance, but the moment their hands came into contact with the bodies of the people ensnared they were repelled by "severe magnetic shocks. Various means were adopted to extricate the strugglers from their dilemma. Some bystanders obtained planks of wood and used these in their endeavours to free the imprisoned victims from the electric coils. Eventually success attended the efiorts of the rescuers, ind as speedily as possible the injured people' were removed to the Royal Infirmary. One man was seen lying in the roao- way with his legs entangled in one of the wire Ropes were obtained, and by this medium he w&t- freed from the wire. By this time, however, the poor fellow was dead. Every conceivable plan had been instantly resorted to in order to free the man earlier, but the deadly wire clung to him notwithstanding all that was done until toe late to save his life. Information of the occui- rence was quickly communicated by the policeman on duty to the Prescott-street Bridewell, and a large body of police were soon on the scene of the catastrophe, and rendered very valuable assistance. All pedestrian and other traffic stopped by the police until the current o: electricity was turned off. With the removal ù: the current from the trolley wires all possibility of danger fled, and the task of taking away the broken telephone wires was a more or less simple one. It followed as a matter of course that all tramway traffic was suspended from the moment of the breaking of the telephone wires. Inq uirie shew that two men were killed and thirteen other persons injured. The names of the two killeo were D. W. Singleton, manager for D. Higgin., butcher, Wavertree-road, and Thomas Hankey, carter, in the employ of Richard Evans and Sons, colliery proprietors. Hankey resided in Muliinei street, Smithdown-road. The latter was walking alongside his horse in Gill-street, when the animu] wae struck with the live wire and fell. Hankey went forward and seized the horse's head for tbç purpose of getting it on its feet, when he received the full electrio charge transmitted through the horse and was also caught by the wire. When foune he was almost lifeless, and died in a few minutes The police also received information that two horses had been killed in Gill-street, another in Great Newton-street, and a fourth in Catharine- street. I LONDON'S ELECTRIC TRAMS ?OND-ON The first system of tramways in London to ce converted from horse to electric traction was put to a practical test on Tuesday. This is the London United Tramways system from Hammersmith Broadway to Kew Bridge and Brentford, and I from snepnerd s tSush to Acton. A trial trip [ was made under most adverse conditions, snow falling heavily at the time but, notwithstanding, the experiment was completely satisfactory, and the efficiency of the system is oonsidereti be proved. LEICESTER'S ELECTRIC TRAMS. I Leicester resolved on Tuesday night to fall into line With other. adyanced miinic-.ipalitieg d nçt only purchase the local tramways, but substitute electric traction for horse power. The par- ticular system to be adopted was not decided at Tuesday night's meeting of the Town but it was stated that the scheme would'' £ 500,000.

UMBRELLAS RE-COVERED and REFINISBXD equal to new. Ladies' or Gent's, with the noted B E M Silk, 3/6 each, and at all prioes from 1/11 to 12/6.— B,RA Lzy's Foregate-street, Cheater. To MOTRxm.-Itn. Winslow's Soothing Syrup has beea Med over fifty years by milHwna of mothers for their children while teething with perfect success. It will relieve the poor sufferer immediately. It is pleasant to taste; it produces natural quiet sleep, by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub wakes up "as bright as a button." Of all Chemists, Is. lid. per bottle lII!i(_7,Y"1!

I THE PASSING OF THE QUEEN. j Solenin the calm that brooded o'er the ev'n, j Solemn the thoughts we mused; sudden there ) came The rushing of a mighty wind that swept Round all the bouse, and rose and fell, and rme And feU agen, in mournful cadency. Awestruck, we scarce bad thrown a fearful glance The one at other, when a furious roar, As if the very elements were mixed In fratricidal strife, deafened our ears And froze life's current in us, on our knees We sank, for death or worse was surely here, And hid our facet) m our hands—But, lo A stillness, stillness so intense, it pained The ears that strained to listen, then a voice | Stole on us, Fweet and strong, it soothed our fright, 'Tis but the passing of a lofty soul. Whose Empire stretched where e'er the four winds blow, Resolved in purpose, and of high intent To do its duty. Through this sin-stained wJ.>cld It passed with spotless robe, its clear gaze fixed Upon the deathless scroll that tells you all, Man, woman, child, what your life's work should be— 'England expects that ev'ry man this day Will do his duty.' Sorrow, sickness, death Itself found this high soul as far bevond their reach When duty called, as yonder star from earfck— Farewell. "-The voice bad passed away, we raised Our eyes in reverent regard. No form was there But in the heavens biased a myriad of stars, And one beyond the rest shone bright and pure And steadfast as the soul of her we mourned. Straightway we bowed our head s in prayer, and in AJ1 humbleness thanked God for His great gift To our dear country, gift so long enjoyed, So prized by high and low, by rich and poor, Gift of a high-souled Ruler- j Sleep ye in peace," the sweet strong voice bad said. Peaceful our slumbers were. we woke betimea, And in our mem'ries crowded yester even's feajTJ, And comforting—we rose and drew the blind, Half doubting whether o'er the prospect's range The trees we prized so dearly might be strewn In desolation, shattered and uptorn By the wild storm that heralded the night— And marvellous the scene that came to view. From east to west, from north to south, so far As we could search, Earth had wrapped herself In spotless mantle of the purest white; The air was still, all, all,'was peace and rest The trees whose fate we trembled for still stood, Their lofty tope unscathed, and 'peared to lift The r branches in mute thankfulness and praise To Heaven-And to us it seemed that Grief For our dear L&dy, who with tear-dimmed eyes Site on the threshold of our several homes, Found fellow-mourner in our Mother Earth, Found fellow-mourners in the winds which reigjied With our great Queen as monarch o'er the sear; To us it seemed the raging of the storm. It's overmast ring, awe-inspiring force, Spcite of the strength and might of England's Queen. Earth's spotless mantle of her spotless life, And men's sad hearts of all that men in her Had lost, a counsellor, a guide, a friend, A Q.:een of women, and a Queen of Queens.

j LIGHTING-UP TABLE. I All cycles and other vahiclee in the Chester distrIct must be lighted up as stated in the following table:— f.M. Saturday, February 9 61 Sunday, February 10 6 3 Monday, February 11 6.4 Tuesday, Pebruary 12 67 Wednesday, February 13 6.9 Thursday, February 14. 610 Friday, February 15 6.12

CHESTER CATHEDRAL. SATCBDAT, FEBRUARY 9TH. Morning, 8.0: Matins 10.15 Service, Clarke-Whitfeld in E; an them, Praise the Lord" (Scott). Evening, i. 10: Service, (Jiarke- Whitfeldin E; anthem, "Let the righteous be glad" (G. B. Arnold). SUNDAY, FEBRUARY IOTH (Sexagesima).-Morning, b.O.- Holy Communion. 10.30 Service, Chipp in D; anthem, "Source of all light" (Hauptman) introit, hymn 28b; K rie and Credo tSmart m F); preacher, the Canon in Residence. Evening, 3.30: Service, Gadsby in 0; anthem, Ascribe unto the Lord tTravers) hymn 28S. 0 3U: Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis to Chants; pro- cessional hymn, 21" hymns 5528, 534, lfc6 preacher, the Rev. Canon Webb, M.A.

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES,& DEATHS. BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, and DEATHS are charged at the rate of 20 words for Is. (prepaid). If not prepaid, the charge will be 2s. 6d. The announcement must be authenticated by the Signature yjud Address 01 the Sender. BIRTH. MADDOcK-February 4, at Moor House, Heywood, the wife of fccokeby Douglas Maddock, solicitor, of a daughter. DEATHS. DARL7NGTOlq -February I, at Weatheroak-road, Sparkhill. Birmingham, William Henry (Willie), the dearly loved and only son of Eddy and Amy Darlington, aged 7 years. DA VI sON-February 4. Ellen, the beloved wife of Charles Davison, Farfield, Connah's Quay. LN o cards. Friends kindly accept thin-the only—intimation.] DEAN—January 30, at 9, Brookeide, Hooie. Alice Gertrude, only surviving child of the late Mr Samuel Dean, The Eastg ate. Chester, aged 33 years. [Deeply lamented.] HATTON-February 1, at 1, West Lorne-street, Chester, Annie Jane Hattcn, the beloved wile of Wm. Hatton, aged 38 years. NoRTos-At LIS, Walnut-street, Higlitowu, Manchester, Margaret, rtlict of the late John Norton, Chester, aged 77 years. Interred at Uresford February 5th. PLEAV:K—January 28, at Lia, Francis-street, Chester. James Pleavin, late of Saighton, aged years. Interred at liruera Church January a 1st. RowE-February 2, at Albion Cottage, Victoria-road, aged 2 years 8 months, Gertrude (little Gertie), the dearly loveu child of Herbert and Agnes Ecwe. W ATsoN-Fetruary 7, at 7, Princess-street, aged 22 years. Eldred (Eddie), the dearly beloved son of W. and M. J. Watson. [Deeply mourned.] IN MKHOBIAM. HEMSLET—In memory of Jemima, the beloved wife of Thomas Hemsley, of Peckham, late inspector at Chester General Railway Station, who died February loth, 19,0. [Peace, perfect peace J HOPLEy-In loving remembrance of Ann Hopley, the beloved caugliter of Ann Woolley, of Dunham Hill, ho passed away February 9th, 1¡;5. Years have passed, Oh how 1 miss her, Days and weeks her loss I WORm; But in Heaves 1 hope to meet her On that blest eternal shore. (Mother.) HCGHES—In loving memory of my dear mother, Eliza Hughes, who departed this life February ath, 1897. Away with the angels she is well blest, Taking for ever her everlasting rest; Let ns hope when all our trials are o'er We shall meet our mother on that golden shore. (E. Hughes, Badger's Bake.) HuLi-In loving memory of Charles Samuel, the beloved husband of Alice Hull, of 55, Handbridge, who passed away February 1st, 190C. j Sadly missed I KiNsmAN-Im loving memory of Sarah, tin: beloved wife ot James Kiineinan. late of Egerton.street, Cuester. who passed away February 6th, laud, aged 47 years, and was interred in Kendal Cemetery, February 9th. One year has gone, but none can tell How dear I loved mother, and how well; God loved her too, but thought it best To take her home with Him to rest. (Alice.) LAIEAK—In loving memory of our dear mother, who died ? ebruary 5, 1899. Also of our dear father, who died July 9th, 18.u9, at 157, Westminster road. What peaceful hours we once enjoyed. How IIweet their memory still; But they have left an aching void The world can never till. ROEERTS-In loving memory of our dear mother, Mary Roberts, lute of 7, Trafford-street" Chester, who died February 6th, 19 0. (Her end was peace. (Ted and Lizzie.) TzompsoN-In affectionale memory of James, the beloved husband of Ann Thompson, of 9. Union- terrace, who departed this life January 2nd, 1899, aged oS years. [Gone, but not forgotten.i WHITLOW- In loving memory of Jessie, the beloved wife of J. H. Whitlow, of Saltney Ferry, near Chester, who died February 6th, 1899. (60ne, but not forgotten.] WBITLOw-In loving memory of Jessie, the beloved wife of James Holt Whitlow, of Mold Junction, who died February fcth, 1699. There are no friemds like old friends to calm our frequent fears, When shadows fall and deepen through life's declining years And when our faltering footsteps approach the great Divine, We'll long to meet the old friends who wait the other side. (Her nephew Josiah.)

E R 0 R I A L 8 ——" AT ALL PKZCE8, IN MARBLE, GRANITE, STONE A ALABASTKr; On View, and to Order. W. HASWELL & SON. MASONS, KALEYARDS, CHESTER. RsNmstos and Designs Pres oii appZ!ca"o:" Telephone No. 161a. It is rumoured, on what &uthority we do not icnow, that the vacant bishopric of London is likely to be conferred upcn the Bishop of Chester. Everyone in the Diocese will, for selfish reasons, isifteerely hope that the rumour is without foundation, SNOW.—Snew fell heavily in Chester and -district on Monday, and than was a covering about three indies deep on the ground on Tuesday. In the night seven degrees of frost was registered, and the roads and streets were rendered very slippery. A tha\v set in on Thursday. UNSBCTABJAN MISSION CHUKCH, HOOLB-& funeral service in commemoration of the Queen was held on Sunday evening. Mr. Cfomer Welsh preached from Psalms 45-15. SuifcaWe bymns were sung by the choir and congreg*- tion, and the "Dead March" in "Saul" W" | impressively rendered by the organist (Mr. Jr. B. Duck). WATEB.PROOF GOODS.—Coats in a large VARI.ETY of styles and patterns, at BRADLEY s, *orepree- i street. None but guaranteed articles sola, Priaim 16;11, 21,111, 27/6, etc. Cycle Capes, Leggings, etc.

The busybodies who had been gleefully looking forward to a quarrel between the Mayor and the Sheriff will, we are afraid, be grievously disap- pointed. An idea had got abroad that when the Proclamation of the accession of the King reached Chester it was addressed to the Sheriff, and that, therefore, the Mayor had usurped the tatter's privilege in publicly reading the document. It was evident to everyone who knew the character of the Mayor that this could not be correct, but as stories of this kind grow in the repeating thereof, it was desirable that an official announce- ment should be made on the subject. This has now been done by the Town Clerk, who explains that the mandate to proclaim the Proclamation, and the Proclamation itself, were enclosed in an envelope addressed "To the Mayor of the City of Chester." A package of prints of the Proclama- tion, which were to be posted in the usual way, was, however, addressed to the Sheriff, and prob- ably that is how the confusion has arisen. Some remarkable admissions were made at Chester Bankruptcy Court on Tuesday by Mr. Percy Toppin, who was originally a London estate agent, and is well known in North Wales. Mr. Toppin suffered from headaches and insomnia, and he was recommended to try the balmy air of Colwya Bay. He accordingly took up his residence there, and since that date many of his creditors have suffered from insomnia. He bought pro- perty at Colwyn Bay, at the rate of J6400 per aore, but his crowning speculation was when he bought the Rhyl Pier for £ 15,000. He denied that he was insolvent at that time, but on being pressed ad- mitted that he even had to borrow the deposit money, JB500, not a cent of which has been repaid. It is necessary, of course, that more light should be thrown on Mr. Toppin's transactions, and his public examination has been adjourned. The Bishop of Chester will be glad to see that his licensing scheme in the form of the municipal public-house is gaining ground near home. At this week's meeting of the Warrington Town Council it was resolved to re-erect the Feathers Hotel, a property which had recently been pur- chased and pulled down for street-widening pur- poses. One of the members, Mr. Bennett, ex- pressed himself strongly in favour of the munici- palisation of public-houses, which he believed to be a practical and feasible way of promoting temperance reform. He took the view which we have often advocated, that no particular advantage is to be gained by the surrender of a licence; "for if a man wants a drink, he will be able to get it at any one of the dozen public-houses in the same street." Nothing appears to have been suggested at the meeting as to proceeding upon Bishop Jayne's line by devoting the profits to some public object, and the Town Clerk was even sceptical concerning the power of the Corporation to manage the hotel, but for the present it was de- cided to proceed with the erection of the building, and probably in the future we shall hear more of the proposal for municipal management.